France get their World Cup campaign underway against Australia this evening, and the 2018 champions will be aiming to become the first nation to win back-to-back tournaments since Brazil in 1962.
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France World Cup 2022 Preview
Four years have passed since Hugo Lloris hoisted the glistening golden trophy high into the air on rain-swept evening in Moscow, and this gap is certainly reflected in their squad this year.
This is an almost unrecognisable team to the one that stormed to victory against Croatia in 2018, but it is perhaps equally as talented in its own right.
Didier Deschamps has been forced to rethink his squad selection numerous times leading up to the first game against Australia, with Leipzig’s explosive Christopher Nkunku and, more crucially, Ballon D’or winner Karim Benzema both ruled out of the competition after injuries picked up in training.
These casualties are the latest in a slew of high-profile dropouts that include 2018-winning duo N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba, as well as PSG’s Presnel Kimpembe.
The Les Bleus, therefore, boast a fresh-faced, new-look midfield with four of the six taken by Deschamps 23 or under. However, Real Madrid duo Aurelien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga are hailed as generational talents and are next in line to take over from Luka Modric and Toni Kroos as Los Blancos’ midfield anchors.
Meanwhile, the absence of Karim Benzema means Olivier Giroud will likely deputise in his stead. The 36-year-old enters perhaps his last World Cup needing just two goals to move level with Thierry Henry (51) as France’s all-time record goalscorer.
William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Hernandez and Jules Kounde feature in a stacked line-up of defenders, possibly the deepest pool in the competition, who are all 25 and under.
France World Cup 2022 Squad
- GK: Hugo Lloris, Tottenham
- GK: Alphonse Areola, West Ham
- GK: Steve Mandanda, Rennes
- DF: Benjamin Pavard, Bayern Munich
- DF: Jules Kounde, Barcelona
- DF: Raphael Varane, Manchester United
- DF: Theo Hernandez, AC Milan
- DF: Lucas Hernandez, Bayern Munich
- DF: Benoit Badiashile, Monaco
- DF: Ferland Mendy, Real Madrid
- DF: Dayot Upamecano, Bayern Munich
- DF: Ibrahima Konate, Liverpool
- DF: William Saliba, Arsenal
- MF: Eduardo Camavinga, Real Madrid
- MF: Youssouf Fofana, Monaco
- MF: Matteo Guendouzi, Marseille
- MF: Aurelien Tchouameni, Real Madrid
- MF: Adrien Rabiot, Juventus
- MF: Jordan Veretout, Marseille
- FW: Ousmane Dembele, Barcelona
- FW: Olivier Giroud, AC Milan
- FW: Antoine Griezmann, Atletico Madrid
- FW: Kylian Mbappe, PSG
- FW: Randal Kolo Muani, Eintracht Frankfurt
- FW: Kingsley Coman, Bayern Munich
Who Are in France’s World Cup Group?
France feature alongside Euro semi-finalists Denmark, whom they fell to defeat twice in the Nations League recently, while Australia and Tunisia complete Group D.
| Date | Match | Time | Stadium |
| Tue, Nov. 22 | Denmark vs. Tunisia | 13:00 | Education City Stadium |
| Tue, Nov. 22 | France vs. Australia | 19:00 | Al Janoub Stadium |
| Sat, Nov. 26 | Tunisia vs. Australia | 10:00 | Al Janoub Stadium |
| Sat, Nov. 26 | France vs. Denmark | 16:00 | Stadium 974 |
| Wed, Nov. 30 | Tunisia vs. France | 15:00 | Education City Stadium |
| Wed, Nov. 30 | Australia vs. Denmark | 15:00 | Al Janoub Stadium |
They are widely expected to finish the group stage as winners, which could set up a potential clash with Group C runners-up; likely either Poland or Mexico.
Should they unexpectedly struggle and qualify as runners-up, they may face Lionel Messi and Argentina who are widely touted to win Group C.
France World Cup Betting Preview
World Cup 2022 Market Favourites
| Nation | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 10/3 |  |
| Argentina |
24/5 | |
| England |
8/1 | |
| France |
9/1 | |
| Spain | 11/1 | |
With South American duo Brazil and Argentina heading into the group stage as the bookies’ frontrunners, France and England lead the European teams and will be vying to maintain the continents’ dominance over the World Cup – they have produced the winner in each of the last four tournaments.
9/1 presents unbelievable value in World Cup betting for the reigning champions, even if they are stricken by injuries.
With the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Kingsley Coman and Antoine Griezmann, there is an abundance of world class attacking talent that can deputise in Benzema’s stead, while Kylian Mbappe, who exploded onto the scene as a budding young teenager four years ago, certainly has leading claims as a potential Golden Boot winner at 9/1.
Elsewhere, there is value to be had with Mbappe as a potential assist leader come the end of the tournament. He has five already for PSG this season, while 26 in 46 appearances last term shows his perhaps underrated ability as a playmaker. At 17/1, this could certainly be worth a punt.
When looking at France’s potential as a team, you can check out the latest team progress markets for Les Bleus below.
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